Name: Claire Martin
Course: BA (Hons) Early Childhood

I was working as a teaching assistant in a reception class when our school amalgamated, and a new head teacher was appointed. After her initial observations, I was called into a meeting where I was asked if I had ever thought of teaching. I explained I didn’t have a degree, but was quickly reassured this wouldn’t be a problem as we already had another member of staff currently studying at Warwick University and my new head felt this route was worth looking into for me.

After researching a variety of courses at Warwick, I was pleased to see an Early Childhood Foundation degree, as I had been working with children from birth - five for a number of years, and this area had become somewhat of a passion of mine. It certainly gave me a feeling of excitement and an eagerness to further my knowledge in this field, with the potential to enhance my career opportunities. At the same time, I couldn’t help but worry that I had been out of education for a number of years, and the nerves soon set in about the reality of what I was taking on. At the same time, I was also starting a new position as an unqualified teacher and raising my two children as a single parent so I was aware I would have a lot to adapt to. However, my application went in followed by an interview and I couldn’t have felt happier about the reassurance I was given that this course was made for people in situation.

I studied at Warwick University for 3 years and during this time I went through a mixture of emotions and experiences. I had many enjoyable moments including, meeting a wonderful group of people who shared the same passions and aspirations as me, and who would ultimately become one of the biggest support networks I have had the pleasure to be part of. I was given the opportunity to learn about and unpack so many familiar and new topics within childcare and education, that made me reflect and adapt on my own practice as well as that within my setting. I worked independently and within groups to complete tasks and assignments, encouraging me to use and develop a variety of personal skills, some of which I was unsure I possessed.

At the same time, I was also faced with moments of despair and challenges that made me doubt my own abilities. On reflection, these are just as significant as the positive experiences previously mentioned as they challenge you in a different way. I initially found the style of writing at university very different to anything I was familiar with and completing my first assignment was a memorable experience. Here, I found it useful to draw on people from work who were also studying to help me gain a better understanding of what was required and ask them to proofread my work so I could get initial feedback before submitting my work.

Additionally, being an adult in education, working full time and raising two children, impacted immensely on my time and emotions, with the feeling of guilt reoccurring throughout my time at university. I considered all of these areas within my life to be a priority which required a significant amount of my attention in order for me to succeed and fulfil each role. The only way I could overcome this was to communicate to the people around me when I needed additional help or support. Here, having a good support system was key and included speaking to my lecturer and peers as this helped me stay on track while completing different assignments. Speaking to my employer so I could occasionally adapt my responsibilities meant my day job became slightly easier and I could focus on the area of need at that time. As well as this, having a wonderful family around me to help look after and be there for my children meant I could relax safe in the knowledge they were happy, especially around assignment deadlines.

Evidently, that is the point of this degree, it challenges you in every way possible, taking you out of your comfort zone, encouraging you to think differently, adapt and change to each new task and then apply these skills and strategies both personally and professionally with increased knowledge and confidence.

I gained more than a degree when I left Warwick university, I now have a special group of friends who I shared an amazing experience with and who know the challenges acquiring a degree comes with. We supported each other during times of difficulty, but we also celebrated every achievement together and that undoubtedly formed a bond that I’m not sure you can get anywhere else. Professionally, I would say I think differently as a practitioner. I reflect on the topics and subjects covered in my degree, going back to the theorists covered and apply them to the variety of children and their individual circumstances. For me, I feel I have gained a greater understanding of who children are, how they are developing and more importantly why this is the case with the ultimate goal of being able to support their individual needs and help them achieve their full potential.

Claire (left) with family on her graduation day

Personally, one of the biggest things I left university with was a sense of achievement. I completed something I had always felt was out of reach, something I believed I would struggle with as I wouldn’t have the necessary skills and time to take it on. Completing this degree was by no means easy, but I have learnt that I can achieve anything I put my mind to, that I am more than capable of taking on new challenges, digging deep when needed, supporting others and writing assignments at an academic level. I look back with absolute pride in the journey I went on and the variety of grades I achieved during a very busy and challenging 3 years.

I am now working as teacher in primary school, where I have covered time in reception, nursery and will be moving into year one in September. Without my degree I know these opportunities would not have been possible and my career path now looks very different to that of only a few years ago.

My dream was to become a teacher and do the job I love, I now get to say that is my reality.

If there was any advice I could pass on to current students, it would be to have faith in yourself and know that you are more than capable of learning at any age, writing academic assignments and achieving a degree. Keep remembering the end goal and the benefits you will receive personally and professionally from taking on this challenge. If I can do it, you can too.